News & Events

Ruling on access to buses for wheelchair users

Bus companies have been given legal clarity over the use of designated wheelchair bays on buses following a ruling by the Court of Appeal.

Drivers are not legally obliged to force someone with a buggy to give up the designated bay on a bus to a wheelchair user, despite an earlier ruling at Leeds County Court.

Mr Paulley, who was denied access to a bus when a woman refused to move her buggy from the wheelchair bay, originally raised the case on the grounds of discrimination.

Claire Walters, Chief Executive of Bus Users said: “This ruling will offer bus drivers greater clarity, particularly when they are called on to intervene in tensions between passengers on often over-stretched services.

“But while innovative design and investment has given wheelchair users greater access to the bus, their right to travel and to make use of the designated wheelchair bay is unfortunately no longer protected.

“Ultimately, everyone should have equal access to public transport. And while the full impact of this case may still be unknown, we would like to see bus designers, manufacturers and operators thinking more creatively about how buses can meet the needs of all passengers.”